Hanson family donates to Dale Dixon Chair of Engineering fund

Written by Kristie Reynolds on |
Peggy and Larry Hanson
Peggy and Larry Hanson

Larry and Peggy Hanson recently donated $25,000 to the Dale Dixon Chair of Engineering fund, which supports University of Wisconsin-Platteville faculty. In recognition of their gift, the Hansons will name one of the collaboration studios in the newest engineering building, Sesquicentennial Hall.

Larry Hanson graduated from UW-Platteville in 1971 with a major in civil engineering and was one of Dixon’s students. He fondly remembers his time at UW-Platteville and how the faculty became role models and prepared him for the start of his career in civil engineering.

“The faculty helped me succeed in both the classroom and university life,” said Hanson. “They really care about students and are available outside classroom hours to discuss material being taught and answer questions. They encouraged students to participate and take leadership roles in organizations outside the classroom, such as the American Society of Engineers and Chi Epsilon, for me personally.”

Hanson is principal of Hanson Consulting Engineers PLLC. He and his wife currently reside in Phoenix and attend alumni events in Arizona every year. He believes that financially supporting faculty will help retain accredited faculty, which will be beneficial to students.

“Faculty need opportunity and financial support to participate in professional growth opportunities, such as seminars, conferences and coursework, to learn about societal challenges and emerging technologies so they can bring this information back to the classroom.”

The Dale Dixon Professor of Engineering Award was established by Dale Dixon, a former engineering department chair in the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science to support engineering faculty excellence. Each year, engineering faculty can apply for a three-year award of $15,000 total, awarded $5,000 per year, to be used for professional development, research and/or student salaries.

For more information on donating to the UW-Platteville Foundation and naming opportunities available for Sesquicentennial Hall, contact UW-Platteville Foundation at foundation@uwplatt.edu.